A PROJECT to build a £20 million tennis centre near Dunblane led by Andy Murray’s mother Judy has been shelved.
A spokesperson for the Murray Play Foundation charity said the Park of Keir project was no longer viable in its current form.
A statement from the charity said “significant increases in construction, material, energy and labour costs, a lengthy and uncertain planning process, and protracted discussions with governing bodies” were among the factors behind the decision.
It was hoped the centre would serve as part of Andy’s legacy after its completion, by providing communities with greater access to sports.
Judy Murray won an eight-year planning battle to build the complex south of Dunblane at the end of 2021.
But the scheme continued to face opposition from local campaigners due to the site being located on green-belt land.
Andy chose to end his Wimbledon career this year with a doubles appearance alongside his brother Jamie during the 2024 Championships.
The 37-year-old then played the final match of his career when he and Dan Evans were beaten in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men’s doubles in Paris earlier this month.
The Murray Play Foundation spokesperson said: “It is with deep regret and sorrow that we bring this project to an end and, with it, a unique opportunity for a sporting legacy from the careers of two young men from Dunblane who reached the top of their sport and inspired countless people to play the game.
“Judy has been involved in promoting sport and tennis her whole life. This not-for-profit project was an opportunity to build a base in Scotland that would have lasted beyond her lifetime and given the next generation greater opportunity to access courts, competition, and coaching.
“Over 12 years, Judy has invested significant time and encountered indifference and opposition for much of that period. However, she and her team persevered until several factors conspired to leave the project unviable in its current form and we no longer plan to seek a detailed planning consent on the site at Park of Keir.
“The Murray family is proud of what they have contributed to tennis in the UK and remain committed to growing the game and persuading governments, sports governing bodies and others of the significant health, social and economic benefits that flow from sustained investment in sport and physical activity.
“We will now take time to consider what other initiatives might be aligned to the purpose of our charity, which is essentially to provide more people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – with the opportunity to pursue sport, fitness and physical activity.”
